This page is updated every Monday. On weeks when Monday is an observed holiday, the page will be updated on Tuesday of that week.
 
In accordance with Public Works Code, Article 16, Section 806, a written appeal may be made in regards to the removal of a tree within 15 or 30 days of the posting date (depending on the posting period).  Appeals must state the grounds for the appeal and may be sent to urbanforestry@sfdpw.org or mailed to San Francisco Public Works Bureau of Urban Forestry, 49 South Van Ness Ave, Ste 1000, San Francisco, CA 94103.
 
Our aim at Public Works is for San Francisco to have a thriving, robust urban forest. 
 
That is why we always look for all alternatives before choosing tree removal or approving a property owner's request for removal. However, removals are sometimes necessary to protect public safety, first and foremost, and to navigate the many challenges of growing trees in an urban setting.
 
We always look to see if a street tree is replantable in its current location, or closest available site.  If we have explored all options and cannot replant a street tree, that means the basin is not in compliance with Public Works Director's Order 187,246, as well as with the Minimum Guidelines which can be found on the Plant a Street Tree page.  Some common considerations that limit street tree replanting include sidewalk width, proximity to any existing infrastructure (street lights, traffic lights, stop signs, bus stops, etc.) and conflicts with any underground utilities. 
 
If Location IS replantable, tree will be replaced unless conflict with underground utilities is found. If conflict is found, replacement will be relocated or added to deferred replacement report if replacement location not found within 120 days.
 
If Location is NOT replantable, Replacement will be relocated or added to deferred replacement report if replacement location not found within 120 days.
 
Please note, photos and descriptions will be removed once the posting period has expired. Contact urbanforestry@sfdpw.org or 628-652-TREE (8733) with questions or for more information.
 
 

Active Appeals at the Board of Appeals

AgendaDistrictAddressAppeal No.Hearing DateDescriptionPermit and Hearing Nos.Links
     
 
  

 

  • Site: 3

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: The subject tree is a mature, large canopy street tree exhibiting multiple structural and site related deficiencies that present an elevated risk to public safety and infrastructure. The tree exhibits extensive codominant stems and multiple large scaffold branches originating from closely clustered attachment points. This architecture creates included bark and weak branch unions, significantly increasing the likelihood of branch or stem failure. Several primary limbs show visible separation, stress lines, and deformation at branch junctions, consistent with long term mechanical stress and progressive splitting. These conditions indicate compromised load bearing capacity, particularly under wind or wet weather events. The canopy has an unbalanced crown with weight distribution leaning toward the roadside.   The tree also has a confined limited planting area surround by hardscape that is damaging the adjacent sidewalk and causing further uplift. This is a high pedestrian area, given the frequency of pedestrian use any failure would be considered high consequence.    Upon my visual inspection I have seen structural defects, sidewalk uplift and compromised branch unions. The observed conditions will continue to progress in nature and are not repairable in a beneficial way; this is why I recommend removal and replacement of the tree.

    Posting Period: 12/29/25 - 01/28/26

  • District 1

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Recent stem failure has left main trunk unstable. No suitable main trunk remains. Extensive sidewalk reapir will require significant root pruning. Matrue tree size is not suitable for site given overhead and underground utilities. Location is replantable. 

    Posting Period: 12/08/25 - 01/07/25

  • District 2

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Tree needs to be removed due to sidewalk damage. The tree roots are uplifting 2 driveways and the roadway. Tree has outgrown its space. Major roots will need to be removed in order to make repairs, resulting in destabilization of the tree. Location is not replantable. 

    Posting Period: 12/22/25 - 01/21/26

  • District 2

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: One (1) street tree adjacent to 3969 Washington St to be removed with replacement. Tree needs to be removed due to poor structure, previous limb failures, evidence of rot throughout the tree posing a hazard. Permit no. 800241

    Posting Period: 12/22/25 - 01/21/26

  • District 5

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: The tree asset exhibits a significantly unbalanced crown and an extreme lean that is nearly horizontal, supported by threeco- dominant branches emerging from the leaning trunk. Both the trunk and branches show evidence of decay, and several structural unions are weak or poorly formed. Due to ongoing construction activities in the vicinity, the tree has been scheduled for removal as its root zone will be directly impacted. Root-zone disturbance is likely to compromise the tree’s stability and health, with a high probability of mortality. The site is suitable for replanting provided the new installation does not interfere with existing underground utilities. Location IS NOT Replantable. Permit no. 805634 Applicant to pay in-lieu fee or appraised value.

    Posting Period: 12/22/25 - 01/21/26

  • District 5

    Site: 2

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Removal and replacement of one (1) ficus tree, as 15-day hazard. The root system has damaged a substantial amount of sidewalk and the root pruning required to repair the sidewalk will destabilize the tree. Additionall, the structure of the tree is inherently weak and prone to fail (ficus has this species pattern of failure). Meets the tree removal criteria for ficus trees. Site is replantable.

    Posting Period: 12/22/25 - 01/6/2026

  • District 7

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: The tree has an unbalanced crown extending over the utility line, as well as multiple codominant stems in competition. It has undergone multiple prunings for utility clearance. The crown has lost more than 50 percent of its structure, is significantly unbalanced, and shows signs of poor previous pruning. Removal and replacement with an appropriate species is recommended. The site is suitable for replanting with a utility-friendly tree.

    Posting Period: 12/08/25 - 01/07/26

  • District 8

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Cutting roots this close to the trunk will affect stability of tree. Location is replantable.

    Posting Period: 12/29/25 - 01/28/26

  • District 8

    Site: 3

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Lean and declining vigor in tree not sustainable. Location is replantable. Permit 805631

    Posting Period: 12/29/25 - 01/28/26

  • District 8

    Site: 2

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Significantly leaning with only 20% of canopy. Location is not replantable. Permit 805631

    Posting Period: 12/29/25 - 01/28/26

  • District 8

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Recommend removal with replacement. Unstable lean in tree with multiple defects and majority of weight all on public right of way side. Location is replantable. Permit 805631

    Posting Period: 12/29/25 - 01/28/26

  • District 8

    Site: 4

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Risk of sustainably maintaining this tree not worth asset value of tree despite best attempts at targeted pruning in the past. Location is replantable. 

    Posting Period: 12/29/25 - 01/28/26